The Savannah Music Commission, which was created with the passage of HB 762 by Rep. Carl Gilliard (Savannah), came together for its first meeting at the Savannah Convention Center on Friday, August 29.

After being sworn in by Judge Joe Huffman, the Commission kicked things off by electing its leadership, which will include Rep. Carl Gilliard as the Chairman, Matt Campbell as Vice Chairman, Mary Armstrong Dugas as Secretary and Trey Myers as Treasurer.

The commission was created for the purpose of promoting the Savannah area as a music destination;
recruiting and organizing music festivals and concerts; partnering with local businesses, schools, and
organizations to create diverse music programs; working with local government and businesses to secure funding and sponsorships for music initiatives; advocating for music education and resources in local schools; and otherwise promoting the music industry in the Savannah area.

The commission discussed the current state of the music industry in Savannah and Georgia and discussed areas that the commission will focus on including economic development, music tourism, more coordination within the music community, music education and much more. As Savannah’s reputation as a music hub continues to grow, the commission will focus on honoring the city’s musical heritage while attracting new talent, events, and economic investment.

The recently appointed nine-member commission brings together a diverse mix of professionals representing various areas of Savannah’s vibrant music and entertainment landscape and include:

• Chairman State Representative Carl Gilliard (D-Savannah)
• Vice Chairman Matt Campbell – B.I.G. Entertainment Network
• Secretary Mary Armstrong Dugas – Savannah Music Collective / music industry veteran in artist
management
• Treasurer Trey Myers – Turnipblood Entertainment
• Dinah Gretsch – Executive VP and CFO for The Gretsch Company and music education advocate
• William Austin Smith – Composer, Film Maker and Media Producer
• Brian Hudson – Studio and Touring Drummer, Voting Member of The GRAMMYs and Music Advocate
• Harold Yellin – Attorney with HunterMaclean
• Monty Jones, Jr. – General Manager – Enmarket Arena/Savannah Civic Center (MLK Jr. Arena &
Johnny Mercer Theatre)